We are an independent festival which screens films from North America, but pays special attention New Jersey movies. We plan to devote a day to screening films that appeal to audiences over 50, as well. We like to bring at least one person from Hollywood/New York as an honoree. Past guests have included Kevin Smith, Robert Downey, Sr. Terry Winter, Peter Dobson, Blanche Baker, William Forsythe, Chris Mulkey, Brian O'Halloran, Scott Schwartz, Al Sapienza Tom Malloy, Louis Mandylor and Dominique Swain.

Awards & Prizes

Trophies for films; cash prizes and possible software for screenplays.

Rules & Terms

Rules
• Judges will select up to 25 winners for the one-minute film to be shown in the One Minute Film Festival during the festival in October.
• Entry fees will not be returned.
• Downbeach Film Festival/Atlantic City Cinefest reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks.
• Filmmaker agrees that he/she will be solely responsible for the delivery of his/her film materials to and from the festival venue.
• Films must originate in North America.
• Entry title and name of entrant must be on all materials.
• Photographs and press kit will be needed if a film is accepted.
• I agree :
1. to the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true;
2. this film is not subject to litigation nor is threatened by any litigation;
3. I am duly authorized to submit this film to the Downbeach Film Festival/Atlantic City Cinefest;
4. to hold the Downbeach Film Festival/Atlantic City Cinefest harmless from damage to or loss of the DVD;
5. to hold the venue harmless from damage to or loss of the DVD;
6. to certify that I hold all necessary rights for this submission;
7. if chosen, I give Downbeach Film Festival/Atlantic City Cinefest permission to stream portions of my video on the official website, and use clips on a promotional trailer;
8. if chosen I give Downbeach Film Festival/Atlantic City Cinefest the right to include my film in accompanying promotional literature. I realize that the festival will not compensate me financially.

Scripts

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SCRIPT SUBMISSION
• Winners will receive software for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Cash prizes awarded based on total amount of submission fees.
• Various prizes for each category are dispensed only if deemed worthy by judges.
• Screenplays must be unproduced.
• Entrants must fill out entry form.
• All authors’ names should be listed on the entry forms.
• You may submit multiple entries; each screenplay submitted must include its
own separate entry form and fee.
• Scripts must be submitted via .pdf file or hardcopy on white paper in standard industry format bound with at least two brads. Feature scripts must be between 80
and 120 pages; Short scripts from 10 to 40 pages. Pages must be numbered.
• It is the responsibility of the screenwriters to ensure work is protected via
copyright or Writers Guild registration. Visit www.wga.org
Payment in the form of a check made payable to the Downbeach Film Festival must be sent with this application, release form and script.
• If you would like notification upon receipt of your materials, please include a
self-addressed stamped postcard.
• Scripts and materials will not be returned.
• Entrants retain all rights to their screenplays.

24 Reviews

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Ryan Cervasio

This was a fun and well run festival! Everyone was personable and helpful with any questions or needs we had. The venue was great and there were many opportunities for networking. I’ll definitely be submitting to this festival again.

Marti Davis

Atlantic City CineFest was an AWESOME Event!!
We had an absolute Blast at this Festival which is super well run, and inclusive so that Filmmakers have the opportunity to meet and collaborate and share industry info.
Joelle Sokolic has taken over the reins of the operation and she did a Fabulous job!
We will Definitely be back to ACCF with our exciting new projects! FIVE-Stars All the Way!!

Michael Monteith

After I was informed I had won 3rd Place in the Atlantic City Cinefest screenplay competition, I decided to attend the film festival. Over the three-day event, I got to speak to many of the people associated with the Cinefest, including one of the readers of my script and all of them were very friendly and helpful. However, the festival itself is not very well attended. Consequently, my one recommendation would be to give free Cinefest tickets for any screenplay winners who wish to attend the film festival.

Response from festival:

Thank you for this response Michael. We actually give all festival passes to screenplay winners. If you paid you shouldn't have. And if you did, I wonder who you spoke with when you arrived.

As for attendance, we've tried to figure out the magic key to draw attendance, other than being able to spend thousands on advertising, which is not feasible. We do know local sells to a large degree. And it isn't just us. I've attended other festivals in which there was scant attendance at some screenings.

Bonnie Harper

This is our second year screening at the AC Cinefest. Both times were delightful. There is a genuine love of film and craft that really comes across; they truly are looking for the highest caliber work and looking to share that sincerity with the audience. There are also great networking opportunities, and in the event you need a break from it all, you can always slip off for a good meal or to play a few hands of poker, it is a wonderful location. We hope to come back.